In Libya’s capital city, hundreds of people recently turned out for a fundraiser organized by women from the city. The scene almost seems reminiscent of a high school bake sale where the women sold baked goods and handicrafts. There was even a moon bounce for the kids and face painting!

What was different? “Most of the women wore headscarves, and among the more popular items for sale were hand-knitted versions of the Libyan flag. The women running this fundraiser are revolutionaries, and they played a large but often unsung role in the uprising that toppled Moammar Gadhafi back in August. Now, they want a larger role in the new government and political system under construction in Libya.”

Who says that a baked goods and crafts-making fundraiser can’t go a long way? If there is a will there is a way. These inspiring women demonstrate an incredible strength of conviction in having their rights- to a voice, to education and to a better life. For those of you finding ways to raise awareness and money for your cause, don’t be afraid to just run a very back to basics bake sale! At Circle of Women, we both believe in a girl’s right to education and the power that cupcakes and cookies have in helping to create that opportunity.

Listen to the full NPR story here.